Chevrolet Corvette — the 14 years we've written up
1967–2024, side by side: what goes wrong on each, what the fix costs, and what they typically ask. 14 of the 14 carry a high-severity issue.
What this page is
These are the 14 Chevrolet Corvette model years Kestrel has done the homework on — not every year Chevrolet built one. A year that isn't listed here isn't a year we're warning you off; it's one we haven't written up yet. Ranking a whole model run would mean telling you about years we've never looked at.
Chevrolet Corvette by year
How many owner complaints NHTSA holds. A big number usually means a lot were sold; the shape matters more than the total.
Year by year
Looking for a particular engine or trim?
Spilled fuel can reach hot parts at the filler pocket — fire risk (recall) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed
Fuel can spill into the filler pocket and reach hot parts — fire risk (recall) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed
Rear half-shafts may be missing ball bearings, which can take the drive away (recall) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed
Rear half-shafts may be missing ball bearings, which can cost you drive entirely (recall) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed
Z06 and Grand Sport wheels crack at the bead and the fronts go out of true — $600–$1,800 per wheel, at the top of that range for the wide Z06 rears
Original wheels crack at the rim lip and bend at the front — 88% of the filings — $600–$1,800 per wheel, at the top end for the Grand Sport and Z06 rears
Original rear wheels crack, front wheels bend — 88% of this year's complaint record — $600–$1,800 per wheel, more on the Grand Sport's wider rears
8L90 eight-speed automatic shudders and hunts, and cold 1-2 shifts can hang up — $500–$1,200 for the revised-fluid service and reflash; $2,500–$4,500 for a torque converter
Fuel leak at the primary pump module flange — and the GM coverage for it has expired — $900–$2,500 per tank module including labour
Fuel leak at the tank module flange — the smell arrives before any warning light — $700–$2,400 per tank module including labour
Petrol fumes after filling — a leak at the top of the driver's-side tank — $700–$2,400 per tank module including labour
Gasoline smell after every fill-up — the tank leaks at the pump module flange — $700–$2,400 per tank module including labour
Fuel leaking from the top of the tank — the garage smells of gasoline after every fill-up — $700–$2,400 per tank module including labour
Frame / birdcage rust — $3,000-$20,000+
Looking at one in particular?
This page covers the Chevrolet Corvette in general. The Kestrel report covers the one you're looking at — the asking price against the market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
Get My Verdict — $7.99Not ready to pay for one? The free read is instant and needs no card — it checks the asking price against the market and names the top issues for that year.
Known issues are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
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